Laser Vision Correction and the Photographer

I'm considering laser vision correction. I've been near sighted all my life. I'm now 53 and of course have presbyopia as well- need bi/vari-focal lenses for reading. After surgery, I'll need reading glasses, and may need them to see the controls of the camera.

I'm wondering if anyone else who shoots professionally, full or part time has had this treatment, and how it affected your shooting. How long was it before you could reasonably attempt a wedding (or other demanding event), if you had any negative effects I should be aware of, and would you do it again?

Thanks for your consideration.

Mickey

I've had LASIK about 6 years ago, and I went from being 20/200 vision (almost legally blind) to 20/10, perfect vision.

I've been very happy with my results. I didn't have presbyopia.

I got my done about 2 years ago. I got 20/20 vision but before, I was nearly blind without my glasses. I still at times wear glasses just to make sure that the focus with the camera is sharp. I am not a professional but I do enjoy shooting alot. It's just a serious hobby for me. Don't wait too long because the older you get, more chances that the eye sugery might not make a difference. I got my done at age 35 and I hope I get 10years of eye glass freedom before old age sets in and my eyes will start to change. I believe that will start to change at the averge age of 45. Good luck.

I'm also interested in the replies! I've just started thinking about getting this done as well.

I'm considering this... it's really quite a lot easier to shoot with contacts as you can get your eye that much closer to the viewfinder. The 1D's viewfinder is much easier for those with glasses but even so...

I had PRK about five years ago (similar to Lasik but used for extremely near sighted people) I was at that time a -11 and a -10 in other words severely handicapped in the sight area. The eye doctor I went to did extensive testing and corrected my eyes so that I only have glasses for driving at night (they are not necessary but they cut glare and sharpen things abit) and no glasses for reading and close work. The reason I have no problem with reading is that one eye was corrected for close work and the other for distance. I have no problem using my camera and don't miss my glasses or contacts.

I'm considering it. One issue is how much I rely on my eyesight - I'm deaf, and thus rely on my eyes for everything regarding communication.

My main worry is ... "what if the docs screw up, and I never see again?"

I know the chances of it happening are pretty damn small, but still. I'll probably invest in a Mark series body sometime down the road, even though my 5D's viewfinder is pretty darn bright and clear for me.

I got mine done around 6 or 7 years ago.

I was -5 and couldn't see beyond about 6" in front of me. At the time I did not have a camera so that was not my reson for doing so.

I looked at the various riks and asked a few questions (do some research on the web).

There were a couple of scare stories going around but I actually believe that these were down to the patients not following the post op procedures and using the appropriate drops that prevent infection.

There is obviously a very slight risk of infection but there has NEVER been a case of blindness in any laser vision study carried out since the 90s.

Other risks include

Dryness - Drops that the optician provided helped with this for a few weeks after the op. Rarely a problem beyond that. Some people may find they need the drops for a few months.

Hazy vision in dim light - I had that for a week after the op but cleared up quickly.

Night glare (halo's around bright light at night) seems to be common. it usually occurs after every LASIK procedure but clears up quiclky but there are stories of people having this permanently. it's never really been an issue although sometimes if it's a very bright light i do seem to get this effect.....

To be honest I'd recommend it. Best thing I've done. Glasses were just a pain and the freedom to be able to see in the swimming baths, in the rain not standing or sitting on them and having to pay more money!!

LASIK can be expensive - don't believe the £300 per eye rubbish..... that gets you in and interested.... but it is still worth it from a lifestyle point of view.

Good luck

"night glare"/halo/starburst is my concern -- i have that now _without_ lasik, so it would probably get worse.

I had lasik done about 8 years ago and it's one of the best things I've ever done. I was practically blind without my contacts. Regarding the halos, I've never experienced anything more than I had with contact, so I don't consider this a problem. I'm to to point where I need reading glasses (happens to everyone, no matter what), but still have no problems with the controls on my camera.

Good Luck if you do it.

I had Lasik done 1 1/2 years ago. I can see better now then when I had my glasses on before. Night driving was my enemy and now no problems at all. With what I had done I can honestly say it is like watching HD TV, everything is so crisp.

Post op for the first week was a PITA as I had to put in drops every 30 minutes (while awake) for the first 2 days and then every hour for the next few days. When I woke up in the morning for the first few weeks my eyes were very dry and scratchy. Eye drops become your best friend. It was worth every penny.

I had mine done about 6 months ago. Like many other, I was nearly blind without glasses/contacts. I have not had any problems with halos or anything else like that. I think the technology has improved so far that much of the problems with that have been minimized.

I shot a track meet 2 days after having the procedure done. Now, keep in mind, I only shot my daughter and didn't do any real "event" shooting for about 2 weeks.

I have only had two "complaints" --

1) I'm an idiot for waiting. I should have had it done years ago!!!!
2) I couldn't sleep for a while. Before the surgery I had a definite pattern - take my contacts out, lay down in bed, take my glasses off and put them in the exact same spot (so I could find them in the morning). After the surgery, I couldn't go to sleep. I finally realized I was missing many of the steps I normally took at night. I quickly developed new habits and the problem was solved.

I would say having the surgery is one of the best decisions I have EVER made.

Good Luck!
TDF

Like most, my biggest regret about the surgery was waiting so long. I had it done nearly 5 years ago and have been very happy with it. I do have dry eyes, but most of that is from sitting in front of a computer most of the day and forgetting to blink.

The issues with halos isn't as common these days, as the coverage of the laser has gotten better - before it wouldn't cover the entire pupil when dilated.

My wife had hers done nearly 9 years ago, and is going in for a touch up on one eye because of halos. We're going back to the same Dr that did both of our surgeries.

As for costs - it isn't difficult to find a very reputable surgeon to do both eyes for under $2000 (US) - including correcting astigmatism.

I often listen to a consumer-related talk radio show host Clark Howard. He talks about lasik all the time. He needs it but says he will not get it - at least not now. His reasoning is that currently the success rate is about 98% Yes, that's great odds - unless you unluckily fall into that 2%. His thoughts are that he will not get it until that success rate improves. I was born with 20/10 vision and had it most of my life - until computer work trashed it. Yet, I will not get lasik until my odds improve. Read this press clipping reprint and then ask yourself if you want to take chances with what may be your one most-important sense - your vision.